Apparatus for evaporating and distilling



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Patented July 4, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT orf-ICE i APPARATUS FOR EVAPORATING AND ILLING DIST New Jersey,

Application June 17, 1936, Serial No. 85,736 2 claims..E (c1. 2oz-174) This invention relates to an improved apparatus for evaporating and distilling liquids and more particularly to such apparatus for use on board ships and the like where it is necessary tov supply the fresh or pure water demands from distilled sea water. Such demands are occasioned by the losses occurring due to the operation of the ships machinery, such as condenser, turbine, boiler, auxiliary engines, and the like, together with the ships human needs, such as drinking water.

. Heretofore apparatus of this description has comprised a plurality of units in the way of various-stage evaporators, condensers, feed heaters, separators, distillers, and the like, each constituting, to a more or less degree, an individual unit requiring its own container, or casing, togetherA with its piping, and occupying space by itself. Such an arrangement has been very uneconomical, especially on ships, due to its excessive weight and space requirements, and moreover has been inefficient due to its greater exposure of radiation surface in the individual units and connecting piping. Therefore, it is the especial object of our invention to combine the various necessary units required for the evaporation and distilling of sea water in such a compact and efficient manner that there ensues as a result a considerable saving in costs, an increased efficiency of operation,

and a reduction in the requirements of those two most important factors in ship design-weight and space.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description, wherein reference 1`s made to the accompanying drawings illustrating the preferred embodiment of our invention and wherein similar reference numerals designate similar parts throughout the several views.

Fig. 1 is a plan view of our improved apparatus.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation thereof.

Fig. 3 is a rearelevation thereof.

Fig. 4 is an outside end elevation of the first effect, or right hand unit, of our apparatus, as viewed from the right hand side.

Fig. 5 is an outside end elevation of the second effect, or middle unit, of our apparatus, as viewed from the right hand side with the first effect unit removed.

Fig. 6 is an outside end elevation of the third effect, or left hand unit, of our apparatus, as

viewed from the left hand side.

Fig. 7 is a part horizontal section and part plan view taken along the line 1-1 of Fig. 8, as viewed under conditions as stated on the drawings.

Fig. 8 is a part vertical section and part front elevation taken along the line 8 8 of Fig. 7, as viewed under conditions as stated on the drawings.

Fig. 9 is a combined view-the left half is a 5 view taken along the line 9-9 of Fig. 8 with head plate removed, and the right half is a vertical section taken along the line 99 of Fig. 8, both as viewed in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 10 is a vertical section taken along the line 10 IIJ-I0 of Fig. 8, as viewed in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 11 is a section taken along the line of Fig. 12.

Fig. 12 is a front elevation of a portion of a 15 vapor separator.

Fig. 13 is a section taken along the line |3-|3 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic layout of our apparatus in an operating condition depicting the flow 20 of liquids and gases therethrough.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly for the present to Figs. 7 to 10 inclusive the numeral 20 designates the evaporating and distilling apparatus comprising a plurality of 25 units, or individual effects, of a multi-effect evaporator. We have shown in the drawings a triple effect evaporator comprising the three horizontally disposed cylindrical units indicated by the reference numerals 2|, 22, and 23, whichwe will 30 further respectively designate as the first, second, and third effect. The number of effects may be increased or decreased as is well known in the art, depending upon the degree of efficiency or of production desired, as long as the change oc- 35 curs between units equivalent to the rst and the third effects herein shown. As shown each effect comprises an outer cylindrical casing 24 or 25 or 26 preferably having at each end flanges 21 attached to the casing by suitable fasteningv means 40 such as rivets. It will be noted that the casings 24, 25, and 26 of the different effects are placed together in a horizontal end-to-end relationship having closing wall plates at each end of each casing. Casings 24I and 26 have at their outer 45 ends the wall plates 28 and 29 respectively, while between the casing 24 and the casing 25 is the common wall plate 36, and between the casing 25 and the casing 26 is the common wall plate 3|. The flanges 2l and the wall plates 28 to 3|, in- 50 elusive, have provisions for suitable fastening means such as bolts, whereby the casings and,th e wall plates may be rigidly joined together in' an end-to-end relationship. For further strengthening and maintaining this end-to-end relation- 55 ship longitudinally disposed stay lbolts 32 piercing the wall plates pass throughthe apparatus 20 from one end to the other- The bolts 32 are threaded in the vicinity of the wall plates-and they are fixed in the end wall plates 28 and 29 by means of nuts 33 and 34, and they are also fixed where they pass through the. common wall plates 38 and 3| by means of nuts 35 and 36.@It' will be noted that when "the said nuts yare all properly adjusted the stay bolts 32 act both in tension and in compression to give rigidity and strength to each of the effects individually and to the apparatus as a whole. For convenience the stay bolts may bel made sectional by dividing within the long nuts 35. `The different units 2|, i

22, and 23 are still further strengthened and braced individually and collectively by brace members 31. The brace' members 31 are positloned as horizontal diagonally disposed members. two to each effect. One end of each brace 31 is attached to a centrally disposed lug `38 on the evaporator tube nest shell extension (to be described hereinafter) by means of bolts 39, while the opposite ends are attached to their respective wall plates by means of bolts 40 through the brackets 4| fixed on the inside faces of their respective wall plates.l with straps 43 and nuts 44, placed about the stay bolts 32 and the braces 31 at their points of intersection, act as additional bracing members. Also bulb angles 45 and 46 suitably attached by means such as of riveting, bolting, or Welding (not shown) to the inside of the end wall plates 28 and 29, and angles 41 and 48 similarly attached to the wall plates 30 and 3| add still further strength of rigidity to the apparatus 28. Additional circumferential strengthening of each of the casings 24, 25, and 26 is obtained by means of the angles 49, 50, and 5| shown suitably attached to the casings and to the evaporator tube nest shell extension. For supporting the apparatus 20 on a foundation, each of the wall plates 28 to 3|, inclusive, extend beyond the flanges 21 at the bottom to form foot extensions 52 and 53 to which are suitably attached the foundation brackets 54.l

When viewed from the front each of the casings 24, 25, and 26 have in the lower half thereof substantial openings l55 communicating with their interior. Exterior to and surrounding the openings 55 in each of the casings 24, 25, and 26 respectively, are the evaporator tube nest shell extensions 56, 51, andv 58. These shell extensions are attached to the casings by any suitable means such as by riveting, .bolting, or by-welding. These shell extensions 56, 51, and 5 8 are preferably metallic castings suitably reenforced by ribs and flanges and each extend outward from their respective casing to form a vertically disposedv finished flanged face 59 to which is attached a heating means, as will hereinafter be described.

In the front upper half of each of the casings 24 and 25 are substantial openings ,60' communicating with their interior. Exterior to and'surrounding these openings 60 in each of the casings 24 and 2.5, respectively, are the vapor feed heater tube nest shell extensions 6| and 62. These shell extensions are securely attached to the casings by any suitable means such as by riveting, bolting, or by welding. These shell extensions 6| and 62 are preferably metallic castings suitably reenforced by ribs and flanges, and each extend outward from-their respective casings to form a vertically disposed nished flanged face 63 to which is attached a condenser means as will U clamps 42, together` hereinafter be described. A horizontally disposed finishedflanged face on the top of each ofk the shell extensions 6| 4and 62, respectively,

provided a flanged opening'y 61 which communii' cates witlithe interior of the casing for a purlpose hereinafter disclosed.

vIn the bottoms vof the casings 24, 25, and 26l are provided-.flanged openings 68, 69, and 10, and 1|, 12, and,1 3,fal1 of v*which communicate with the hereinafter Atcl-"be" described.

In eachof the effects two observation windows 14 "arepro'vided These windows comprise glass interiorA of "theirrespective casings for purposes covered openings,suitably mounted, by means of l which a viewfof the interior of the effects may be obtained.flnthe'iirst and third eilect one of these windows is mounted in the rear'of each one of the casings 24 and 26, and one is mounted in each one of the end wall plates 28 and 29, while in the second effect two windows are mounted in the rear of the casing 25.

In the front upperhalf of each one of the casings 24 `and 25 and'fiust below the openings 60 therein is suitablymounted a flanged extension pipe designated respectively by the numerals 15 and 16. These extension pipes communicate with the interior of their respective casing for a purpose hereinafter described.

In the third effect outside wallplate 29 near its center is a flanged opening 11 (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 9) which communicates with the interior of the casingfor a purpose hereinafter described. In the upper part of the third effect casing 26 near the outer end is a flanged outlet 18 communicating with the interior of thev casing for a vpurpose hereinafter described.

Contained withinthe lower half of each of the casings` 24, 25, and 28, and disposed transversely thereto, respectively, are evaporator heaters 19, 80, and 8|. These heatersare each integral units and are removably' attached as such to the flanged face 59 of their respectiveshell extensions 56, 51, and 58. They are practically identical in construction with the exception of the heads 82, 83, and 84 which because of piping variations are slightly different one from each other. fore the description of one will .sulce for the others and the reference numerals will be applied preferably to that one 19 of the first effect. The heads 82, 83, and 84 are preferably made of metallic castings having a finished face 85, a curved outer wall 86 with integral peripheral flanges 81, and a horizontally disposed .wall 88. Each head 82, 83, and 84, is suitably removably attached to a tube sheet 89 wherewth the horizontal wall 88 forms two enclosed chambers 90 and 9|. Communicating with vchamber 90, in each case, are

two flanged openings which in the different heads l 82, 83, and 84 are respectively designated as 92,

93,` and 94. Communicating with chamber 9|, in each case, is a flanged outlet extension which in the different heads 82, 83, and 84 are respectively designated as 95, 96 and 91. tubes 98, communicating with chamber 90, and a lower nest of tubes 99, communicating with chamber 9|, extend from the front tube sheet 89 to a rear tube sheet |00 and are supported inter- An upper nest of mediate the ends by a supporting tube sheet |I. The latter is held in spaced relation to the rear tube sheet |00 by suitable means such as the bolts |02. A rear cover head I 03 is removably attached by suitable fastening devices (such as bolts not shown) to the rear tube sheet |00. The cover head is preferably made of a metallic casting having a finished face |04, and a curved outer Wall |05 with an integral peripheral ange |06, and forms with the rear tube sheet |00 a chamber |01 with which the rear ends of all the tubes 98 and 99 communicate. For supporting the rear end of the heater unit and for convenience in removing for the purpose of cleaning and repair.. ing, the tracks |08 are provided, suitably mounted to their respective casing by means of the brackets |09 and to their respective shell extensions by means of the rib ||0. The tracks |09 suppori and form a slide for both the supporting tube sheet |0I and for the rear tube sheet |00 and these are held sidewise and guided upon move ment by integral lugs III thereon. The lower nest of tubes 99 is sloped toward the front end to aid in the discharge of condensates.

Contained within the upper part of the casings 24 and 25 and disposed transversely thereto, respectively, are vapor feed heater units I I2 and ILB. These heaters are each integral units and are removably attached as such to the flanged face 63 of their respective shell extensions 6| and 62:. They are practically identical in construction with the exception of the heads I4 and I5 which because of piping variations are slightly different one from the other. Therefore the de scription of one will suiiice for both and the reference numerals will be applied preferably to I I2 of the first eifect except Where different numbers are used. The heads II4 and I I5 are each preferably made of a metallic casting having a nished face II6, a curved outer Wall ||1 with integral peripheral flanges I8, a horizontally disposed wall ||9, and vertically disposed Walls |20 and |2| (see Fig. 2). Each head (II4 and H5) is removably attached (as by bolts not shown) to a tube sheet |22 whereby the walls H9, |20, and I2I form four enclosed chambers |23, |24, |25, and |26 (see Fig. 2). Communicating with chamber .|23, in each case, is a flanged opening which in the diiferent heads I I4 and I|5 are respectively designated as |21 and |28. Communicating with chamber |26, in each case, is a flanged opening which in the diierent heads ||4 and I|5 are respectively designated as |29 and |30. There are three groups or nests of tubes attached to the tube sheet |22, each tube of which is U-shaped with its upper and lower branches fixed in the upperl and lower halves respectively of the tube sheet |22. In the first nest of tubes |3I, each tube communicates chamber |23 with the right half of' chamber |24. In the second nest of tubes |32, each tube communicates the left half of chamber |24 with the right half of chamber |25. In the third nest of tubesl |33, each tube communicates the left half of chamber |25 with chamber |26. All the tubes |3|, |32, and |33.-are supported near their rear loop by means of a rear tube sheet |34 which is held in spaced relation to the front tube sheet |22 by suitable means such as the bolts |35. For supporting the rear end of the heater units (|I2 and II3) and for convenience in removing for the purpose of cleaning and repairing, the tracks |36 are provided. Thetracks |36 are suitably mounted on structure relating to separators hereinafter described. The tracks |36 support and form a slide for the supporting tube sheet |34 which is heldsidewise and guided upon movement by means of integral lugs |31 thereon. i

Contained within the upper part of the casing 26 and disposed longitudinally thereto is the distilling condenser and feed heater combined unit |38. The unit |38 comprises an outer head |39 and a tube nest plate |40 which are suitably adapted for removable attachment to the outer face of the Wall plate 29 and act to close the opening 66. The head |39 is preferably made of a metallic casting having a finished face |4I a curved outer wall |42 with integral peripheral flanges |43, horizontally disposed walls |44, |45, and |46 (see Fig. 6), and a vertically disposed Wall |41. The head |39 by reason of its said Walls |44 to |41, inclusive, in conjunction with the tube nest plate |40, forms ve enclosed chambers |48, |49, |50, |5I, and |52 (see Fig. 6). Communiating with the chamber |48 is a flanged opening |53-with the chamber |49 is a flanged opening I54-With the chamber |50 is a flanged opening |55-and with the chamber |52 is a flanged opening |56. There are three groups, or nests of tubes, attached to the tube nest Aplate |40, each tube of which is U-shaped having an upper and a lower branch with their ends xed 4 in the plate |40. In the rst, or distilling condenser nest of tubes |51, each tube communicates the chamber |48 with the chamber |49. In the second nest of tubes I 58 called the feed heater rst pass tubes, each tube communicates the chamber |50 with the left half of chamber I5I. In the third nest of tubes |59, called the feed heater second pass tubes, each tube communicates the right half of chamber |5| with the chamber |52. All the tubes |51, |58, and |59 are supported by means of an intermediate support plate |60 and rear support plate |6I. For supporting the rear end of the unit |38, and for convenience in removing for the purposeoi cleaning and repairing, angle tracks |62 are provided. The tracks |62 are suitably attached at their ends to the wall plates29 and 3| and to the lower edges of the curtain walls |63. The curtain walls I 63 extend full length on each side of the distilling condenser nest of tubes |51 and are suitably attached along their upper flanged edges |64 to the casing 26,

and are suitably attached along their vertical end` flanged edges |65 to the wall plates 29 and 3 I. It will be noted that the curtain walls |63 act in conjunction with the casing 26 and the Wall plates 29 and 3| to form a chamber |66 open on the bottom and enclosing the nest of tubes |51. Notches |61 in the plates |60 and I 6I guide the unit |38, upon removal, along the tracks |62. Mounted Within the nest of tubes |51 are the air bailles |68 and |69. The baille |68 extends along the tubes |51 from the tube plate |40 to the support plate |60 while the baille |60 extends along the tubes |51,.from the support plate |60 to the support plate |6I. The baille |68 is supported near its upper edges on the vangled supports which are suitably attached at their ends to the plates |40 and |60, While the baille |69 is similarly supported on the angled supports |1I, which are similarly' attached to the plates |60 and |6I. In addition the bales are also supported on their ends at the bottom by angled brackets |12 suitably attached to the respective adjacent plates |40, |60, and |6I. It will be noted that the baffles |68 and |69 are V-shape in transverse cross section and when assembled in place act in conjunction with the casing 26 and the plates |40 and |6| to form a triangular shaped chamber chamber`|13" iscornmunicated with the exterior-A of the casing 2,6 #by means ofthe flanged-opening 'vided inthe bailles` |68 and |69.'4 near the ends of the chamber |13 in order to communicate the `chamber |13A witn'tne chamber' les; 'Also the 61. 'Acting in conjunction withthe nest of tubes the first effect feed distributing box |16 suitably |51 but'lnot'm'ovable therewith is the baffle |15 suitably attachedto the Wall platev 3 This baille |15I is formed tof/ contact a portion of the U end'of the nestl of tubes |51 vwhen the latter are assembled in the apparatus 20. Care is taken tol assure that chamber|13is as vapor tight as practicablymay -be so' that communication betweenA chambers |13 and |66 is by way of the air ports Within the casing 24 of the first effect 2| and covering on the inside the flanged opening 1| is attached to the casing 24 yand provided With a large number of strainer holes |11. Suitably attached to the ilanged opening 68 in the bottom of the casing 24 is the strainer box |18 yhaving a suitably attached cover plate |19, and an outlet |80. Enclosed within the strainer box andextending upward throughA the flanged opening 68 f Within the casing 25 of the? is a strainer ||l|. second .effect 22 and covering on the inside the flanged opening'12 is the second effect feed distributing box |82 comprised of a dished and flanged plate |83 perforated by holes |84 and suitably bra-cedand reenforced by angles |85 7 to the box isz and te the tracks los.

and |86. The box |82 is held in position by means of mounting straps |81 suitably attached Suitably attached to thel flanged opening 69 in the bottom of the casing25is the'strainer box |88 having a suitably attachedeoverplate |89, and an outlet |90. Enclosed v"within vthe strainer box and extending upward through the flanged opening 69 is a strainer |9|. Within the casing 26 of the third eilect 23 is the third effect feed distributing box |92 covering the flanged opening'13 in asimilar manner 'to and with similar structure as for the box |82 describedfor the second eflect hereinabove and need not be further described.

Suitably attached to the flanged opening l10 in the bottom of the casing 26 is the strainer box |93 -having a suitably att-ached cover plate |94, and an outlet |95. Enclosed within the strainer box and-extending 4upward through the flanged opening 10 is a strainer |96. Within the casing 24 of the first effect 2| and extending longitudinally thereof from wall plate 28 to wall plate 30 are the vapor baille nests |91 and |98. The two being identical except as to hand the description of one Will sufce for the other. y y Furthermore, since vapor baffle nests practically identical in structureand location are provided within the casing 25 of the second effect 22, these will need no further description or reference numerals other than the group numerals |99 and 200 corresponding respectively to the group numerals |91 and |98 of the rst effect.

The Vapor baille nest |91 comprises a series of baille sheets 20| to 206, inclusive, which extend from wall plate 28 to wall plate 30 and. are suitably attached thereto. Baille sheet 20| is disposed in an upwardly sloping position with its upper longitudinal edge suitably attached to the casing 24. Baflle sheet 202 is positioned at the same height as sheet 20| and parallel thereto and has attached along its upper edge a trough 201 having orifices 208 adjacent the wall plates 28 and 30. Connecting the trough 201 to the sheet 20| at intervals are connecting brackets 209 which act as ties and give added rigidity to the parts. Batlle sheet 203 lies above the baille sheet '202 and is parallel thereto, and is suitably attached along its upper longitudinal edge to the casingr 24, while'attached to its lower 'longitudiknal edge is thejtrough 2|0 provided`with orifices 2|| adjacent thewall'plates 28and 30. Connecting thetrough 2|0 to the baille sheet 202 at Baille.

intervals are connecting brackets 2|2.

sheet 204 is positioned at the same height assheet 203and is parallel thereto. Attached along the upper edge and at vthe ends of the baille 204 are a pair of troughs.-.2|3 each with an orifice 2|4 adjacent the wall plates 28 and 30.' The space intermediate theopposed ends ofthe. troughs 2|3 is occasioned by a structure to be hereinafter described. The trough 2|3 is connected at intervals to the sheet 203 by means of connecting brackets 2|5. Baille sheet 205 is positioned at right angles to the baille sheet 204-the lower edgesof both being suitably attached one to the other and thus form avtroughxprovided with orifices 2|6 adjacent thevwall plates 28 and 30, while the upper edge` ofthe baffle sheet 205 is suitably attached to structure forming Vapor separators hereinafterr described. In line with and below the baffle sheet 205 is the baille sheet 206 suitably attached along its upper edge .to the lower edge of the baille sheet 205. The lower edge of the baffle sheet 206 is suitably attached to the baille sheet 202 and forms with it a trough provided with orifices 2|1 adjacent the Wall plates 28 and 30. It will be noted that the baille sheets 20| to 206, inclusive, together with their associated parts as above described form a tortuous but open passageway having an inlet `2|8 extending the full length between the baffle sheets 20| and 202, and

having two outlets 2|9, each the length of the Within the casing 26 of the third effect 23 are the vapor baille nests 223 and 224 which due to similarity in location and construction to the vapor baffles nests |91 and |98 respectively need not be fully described and designated to be thoroughly understood. The baffle nest 224 comprises baille sheets 225 to 229 together with suitable troughs with orifices, and connecting brackets. Here, both the baille sheets and troughs all extend full length between the wall plates 3| and 29 to which they are suitably attached. In manner similar to baille nests |91 and |98 there is formed a tortuous but open passageway having an inlet 230 extending full length between the baille sheets 225 and 221, and an outlet 23| extending full length between the baille sheet 228 and the trough on the baille sheet 229. Also within the third effect is provided adjacent the wall plate 3| a spray baille 232 similar in'construction to the spray baille 220 as described for the second effect and this one therefore need not be further described to be thoroughly understood.'

Within the upper part of each of the casings 24 and 25 and disposed therein to either side of and below their respective vapor feed heaters H2 and ||3 is a unitary structure that may broadly be designated as the vapor separator (233 and 234 respectively for the first and second effects). Since the structure and location of the different elements is practically identical in each effect the description of the one for the first effect will suilice for that of the second, except as to reference numerals, where for -convenience in describing the operation of the apparatus 20 hereinafter different numerals maybe assigned for similar parts in the different effects. The vapor separator 233 in the rst effect 2| comprises the following elements:

Within the upper part of the casing 24 of the ilrst effect 2| (delineated particularly in Fig. 10) is a flanged plate 235 extending transversely across the central portion of the casing and suitably attached at its ends by the flanges 236 to the casing 24. This plate 235 sets oil a segment of the casing 24 Within which the feed heater I I 2 is disposed. This plate 235 comprises downwardly extending longitudinal side flanges 231 and is further strengthened and reenforced by means of four transverse angles 238. The two center ones of these angles support by suitable attachment the mid-portions of the hereinabove described baffle sheets 205. Thus it is seen that the plate 235 forms a floor beneath the feed heater 2. Extending upward from each side at each end of the plate 235 are side wall plates 239. These side wall plates 239 are triangularly shaped and each is suitably attached along its lower edge to a side flange 231 of the plate 235, and along its circumferential edge it is suitably attached to the casing 24 through the medium of an angle 240, while its third edge 24| is free and extends downwardly from the casing 24 while sloping inwardly to the plate 235. It will be noted that the floor plate 235 together with the side Wall plates 239 and the casing 24 now form two triangularly shaped chambers 242 and 243. The chamber 242 is open on its side facing the vertical center line of the casing 24 and the rear part of the tube nests of the vapor feed heater ||2 extends partially thereinto. The chamber 243 too is open on its side facing the vertical center line of the casing 24, and also is open on its circumferential side by reason of its conjunction with the opening 60 in the casing 24. The forward parts of the tubesof the vapor feed heater 2 extend through the chamber 243. For purposes of this description the intervening space between the open ends of the chambers 242 and 243 and above the plate 235 will be designated as chamber`244 although it has no vertical side enclosing Walls. Extending from the wall plate 28 to the side flanges 231 of the plate 235, to each of which it is suitably attached, and transversely traversing the space between the upper edges of the baffle sheets 205 and to each of which it is suitably attached. is the plate 245. Also on the opposite side. extending from the side flanges 231 of the plate 235 to the wall plate 30, and between the upper edges of the baille sheets 205, and similarly attached. is the plate 246. Between these plates 245 and 246 and those portions of the casing 24 directly thereabove the spaces so formed will be designated, for the purposes of this description, as chambers 241 and 248, respectively.

Within the upper part of the casing 2 4 of the rst effect 2| and comprising parts of the vapor separator 233 are four vapor separators proper designated by the numerals 249 to 252, inclusive.

As shown in Figs. 'l and 8 they are represented' conventionally as rectangular areas with diagonally crossed lines, and in Figs. 11, 12, and 13 their detail structure is shown and will hereinafter be described. These Vapor separators proper 249 to 252, inclusive, are suitably attached along their upper outside edge to their adjacent casings by means of plate connections 253. Referring to Figs. 7, 8, and 10 there has been so far described, as forming portions of a segment in the upper part of the casing 24, the chambers 242, 243, 244, 241, and 248, which seen in a plan view form roughly a Greek cross but which actually comprises a chamber in itself and which we will now designate as feed heater chamber 254 in the first effect 2|, and as heater chamber 255 in the second eiect 22. The four remaining corner portions of the segment will, for purposes of this description, be designated as chambers 256 to 259, inclusive. Chamber 256 lies parallel to chamber 243 and has in common therewith the wall formed by its adjacent one of the side wall plates 239, and as an opposite wall thereto the wall plate 28, for its circumferential wall it has the casing 24. The vapor separator 249 forms the side facing the vertical center line of the casing 24 while the bottom is closed by that portion of the vapor baille nest |91 that lies directly beneath except that it is in communication with the tortuous passageway thereof through the adjacent one of the outlets 2|9. Therefore, chamber 256 may be described briefly and accurately as comprising a chamber closed except for an adjacent communicating outlet 2|9 of the baille nest |91 and a communicating outlet to the chamber 254 through the vapor separator 249. It is thought. that by reason of similar construction, location, and function it will now be suilicient to describe the remaining chambers 251, 258, and 259 in like manner. Chamber 251 is a closed chamber except for an adjacent communicating outlet 2|9 of the baille nest |91 and a communicating outlet to the chamber 254 through the vapor separator 250. Chamber 258 is a closed chamber except for an adjacent communicating outlet 2|9 of the baille nest |98 and a communicating outlet to the chamber 254 through the vapor separator 25|. Chamber 259 is a closed chamber except for an adjacent communicating outlet 2| 9 of the baille 'nest v|98 and a communicating outlet to the chamber 254 through the vapor separator 252.

Adjacent the left hand end of the plate 235 of Fig. 10 is a flanged opening 260 to which is suitably attached apipe connection 26|. A pipe union coupling 262connects the pipe connection 26| to a boss on the inside of the flanged extension pipe 15 in the case of the rst effect and to the angedextension pipe 16 in the case of the second effect. By these means extension pipe 15 is communicated with the chamber 254, and extension pipe 16 is communicated with the charnber 255.

Each of the Vapor separators 249.250, 25|, and 252 is provided with a flanged opening 263 in its bottom in close proximity to its adjacent wall plate, and suitably attached to which is a pipe 264 by means of a pipe union coupling 265. The

pipe 264 in each case is suitably attached to its adjacent wall plate by means of a clamp bracket 266. The lower end of the pipe 264 ends in a U to form a trap 261.

Within the upper part of the casing 26 and disposed therein to either side of and below the distilling condenser and feed heater unit |38 is a unitary vstructure that may be broadly designated as thethird effect vapor separator 268.

This vapor separator vcomprises "the, following elements: Extending full length from wall '-plate 3| to wall plate 29 just beneath the tube nests y|58 and |59, respectively, are thedownwardly7 y The p1ates269 and 210 are suitably attached to each other,

flanged floor plates 269 and 210.

along the center line of the casing y26, ina shalf low V relationship by means of the inside flanges which are disposed to each side of the unitr |38.

In Figs. 1, 8, and 9' thevapor/ separator units 214 to 211, inclusive, are .represented conventionally as rectangular areas with diagonally, crossed lines. Their detailstructure as separator units is practically identical tovthat described in connection with Figs. 1l, 12, land, 1 3 for lthe vapor separators 249 to 252,'inclusive, except for certainy variathey are vadditionally'suitably attached to they casing 26 by means ofthe plate connections 218. It will be noted that the baille sheets 2.21 of the vapor baiile nests 223 and 224 are suitably attached along their upper edge 219 full length between the wall plates 29 and 3| to the paired vapor separator units. l

It will now be noted thatbetween the paired yvapor separators and theirv respective adjacent portions of the casing' 26 are formed triangular shaped chambers 280` and 28| closed on theirends by the wall plates 29. and,v 3| and on their bottoms by the underlying vaporbaflle nests 223 and 224, respectively, except for the tortuous passageway outlets 23|. Furthermore, it will be noted thatl between the paired vapor separator units as sides, and the wall plates 29 and`3| `as ends, and the casing as a top, and the plates 269 and 210 as a bottom, there is formed a chamber 282 within which extends the tube nests |51,V

|58, and |59 of the distilling condenser and feed heater unit |38, and within which are the chambers |68 and |13. Chamber 282 communicates with chamber |13 by means of the latters open bottom, and it communicates with the chambers 280 and 28| through the vapor separators 214 to 211, inclusive, as hereinafter described.

Adjacent the wall plate 29 in the floor plate 210 is a flanged opening 283 to which is suitably attached one end of a pipe elbow connection 284, while the remaining end of the latter is attached to the inside of the Wall plate 29 in communication with the flanged opening 11. By these means the flanged opening 11 is Acommunicated with the chamber 282.

Each of the vapor separators 214 to 211, inclusive, is provided with a ilanged opening 285 in its bottom in close proximity to its adjacent wall plate, and suitably attached to which is a pipe 286 by means of a pipe union coupling 281. The pipe 286 in each case is suitably attached to its adjacent wall plate by means of a clamp bracket 288. The lower end of the pipe 286 is U shaped to form a trap 289.

In Figs. 11, 12, and 13 is shown the typical detail structure of theyapor separator units 249 to l252, inclusive, and 214 to 211, inclusive. Only one end of a unitA is shown but, as will be explained', this is suflcient disclosure to a clear understanding of the complete units. The different units vary only slightly one from another,

and this mainlyy in .overall dimensions and attaching means. Each vapor separator unit comprises thev following elements: Extending full lengthof the separator is a top plate 290, an intermediate plate 29|, a back plate 292, and a front and bottom plate 293.- Each of these plates is suitably attached, as by brazing 294, at their ends to the end plates 295. The back plate 292 is also suitably attached, as by brazing 296 to the intermediate plate 29| and to the front and bottom plate 293. The intermediate plate 29| is further suitably attached, as by brazing 291 to the front upper redge of the front and bottom plate 293. In this manner a water-tight compartment 29s is formed full 1ength' in the bottom portion of the vapor separator. Near one end of the front and bottom plate 293 is a flanged open-` ing hereinbefore referred to inthe case of the first and second effect as 'flanged opening 263y and in the case of the "third effect as flanged opening 285. The intermediate plate 29| is provided throughout its length `with a large num-y berof perfor-ations 299,l and also a` series of slots 300 `and holes 30| along the rear edge thereof, which communicate with the interior of the compartment 298. It will be noted from the structure so far described that a rectangular opening 302'is formed by the plates 290, 29|, and 295. Within the opening 302 are vertically mounted a plurality of hook baffles 303, 304, and 305 so arranged as to form a plurality of tortuous passages through the opening 302. At the ends a plurality of `hook bailles 303 are attached, as `by means of rivets 306, directly to the end plates 295, each hook baile 303 extending vertically full length between the top plate 290 and the intermediate plate 29|, and formed along its unriveted edge in the form of a hook, or trough,

y 301. Between the endplate 295, the hook baffles 304 and- 305 alternate one after another. Hook `baille 304 comprises av vertical mounting plate 308 attached at its rear upper and lower corners to the plates 290 and 29|, respectively, by v means of riv'eted brackets 309, and reenforced along its front edge by an angle 3|0 and a closed end angle 3| The closed ends 3|2 are riveted to the plates 290 and 29|, while the angles 3|0 and 3|| are riveted to each other and to the plate 308. To the plates. 308 are riveted in pairs, one on each side thereof,v the hook baffles 3| 3 co-extensive with the said plates 308. Hook baffle 305 comprises a vertical mounting plate 3|4 attached along its upper and lower'edges, respectively', by riveted brackets 3|5, to the plates 290 and 29|. To the plates 3|4 are riveted in pairs, one on each side thereof, the hook baffles 3| 6, co-extensive with the said plates 3|4. The hook baffles 3| 3 and 3|6 have along their unriveted edges troughs 3|1 and 3|8, respectively. It will be noted that, as assembled the hook baffles 303, 3|3, and 3|6 have their troughed edges v301, 3|1, and 3|8, arranged alternately, when adjacent to one another, and all the troughed edges face outwardly. Furthermore all the troughed edges 301, 3|1, and 3|8 register either with a perforation 299 or the ends of a slot 300 as indicated/ on Fig. 11. Extending upward along the rear edge of the intermediate plate 29| and suitably attached thereto is a restraining battle 3|9 with a forwardly facing hooked upper edge 328. Screw 32| indicates a means whereby the vapor separators may be suitably attached along their upper outside corners to their respective plate connections 253 or 218 of the different effects hereinbefore mentioned. Screw 322 indicates a means whereby the Vapor separators suitably connect the baffle plates 285 and the plates 245 or 246 of the rst and second effect as hereinbefore mentioned. Gaskets 323 are used to insure water tightness to the hereinbefore described compartments 254 and 255 of the first and second effects 2| and 22.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, we will describe the various pipes, connections, and accessories which serveand'communicate the various elements of the evaporating and distilling apparatus 20 one With another.

Pump motor 324 is provided to actuate the distilling circulating water pump 325 having inlet 326 and outlet 321. Pipe 328 communicates the outlet 321 with the shut-olf valve 329 attached to the inlet 338 of the condensate cooler 33|. Condensate cooler 33| is provided with condensate inlet 332 communicated by means of pipe 333, shut-off valve 334, branch pipe 335 of pipe 336, check valve 331, and pipe 338 to outlet 339 of condensate pump 348 driven by motor 324. Condensate cooler 33| also is provided with condensate outlet 34| with communicating line pipe 342, shut-off valve 343, and lead-off pipe 344. A by-pass line communicating pipe 336 with pipe 344 comprises the branch pipe 345, shut-off valve 348, and pipe 341. Condensate cooler also is provided with outlet 348. Pipe 349 communicates outlet 348 with the flanged opening inlet |53 of the distilling condenser and feed heater combined unit |38.

Pump motor 358 is provided to actuate the evaporator feed pump 35| having inlet 352 and outlet 353. Outlet 353 by means of pipe 354, shut-off valve 355, and pipe 356 is communicated with the flanged opening |55 of the distilling condenser and feed heater combined unit |38.

Flanged opening |56 of the .unit |38 by means of pipe 351 is communicated with inlet 358 of the drain cooler 359. The drain cooler 359 is further provided with outlet 368 which by'means of pipe 36| is communicated with the inlet 362 of the air ejector condenser 363 which in turn is provided with the outlet 364. The outlet 364 by means of pipe 365 is communicated with the flanged inlet |38 of the vapor feed heater unit 3 of the second effect-22 which is also provided with the flanged outlet |28. The outlet |28 by means of pipe'366 is-communicated with the flanged inlet |29 of the vapor feed heater unit ||2 of the first eect 2| which is also provided with the flanged outlet |21. The outlet |21 by means of pipe 361, shut-olf valve 368, feed regulator 369, and pipe 318 is communicated with the flanged inlet 1| on the bottom of the casing 24 of the rst effect 2|. The feed regulator 369 is provided with a pressure balance pipe line which communicates the interior of the feed regulator with the interior of the flrst effect 2| through the flanged openings 31| and 312 in the casing 24. This pressure balance pipe, in the upper half, comprises a pipe 313 communieating flanged opening 31| with a flanged opening 3 14 in the top of the feed regulator body,

While in the lower half comprises a pipe 315 communicating a flanged opening 316 in the bottom of the feed regulator body with the flanged opening 312 in the casing 24. A gauge glass 311,

together with shut-off valves 318 and 319 forms an intercommunication line between the two pipes `313 and 315.

Flanged outlet |88 of the strainer box |18 of the first effect 2| by means of pipe 388, shut-off valve 38|, and pipe 382 is communicated with the inlet 383 of the feed booster pump 384 driven by the motor 385. Outlet 386 of the feed booster pump 384 by the means of pipe 381, shut-off valve 388, feed regulator 389, and pipe 398 is communicated with the flanged inletM 12 on the bottom of the casing 25 of the second effect 22. The feed regulator 389 is provided with a pressure balance pipe line 39| which communicates the interior of the feed regulator 389 with the interior of the second effect 22 through the flangedopenings 392 and 393 in the casing 25. The pressure balance pipe line 39| comprises elements identical to those described hereinbefore for the feed regulator 369 and need not be further described lor designated.

Flanged outlet |98 of the strainer box |88 of the second effect 22 by means of pipe 394, shutoff valve 395 and pipe 396 is communicated with the inlet 391 of the feed booster pump 398 driven by the motor 385. Outlet 399 of the feed booster pump 398 by the means of pipe 488, shut-off valve 48|, feedl regulator 482, and pipe 483 is communicated with the flanged inlet 13 on the bottom of the casing 26 of the. third effect 23. The feed regulator 482 is provided with a pressure balance pipe line 484 "which communicates the interior of the feed regulator 482 with the interior of the third effect 23 through the flanged openings 485 and 486 in the casing 26. The pressure balance pipe line 484 comprises elements identical to those described hereinbefore for the feed regulator 369 and need not be further described or designated.

Flanged outlet |95 of the strainer box |93 of the third effect 23 by means of pipe 481, shut off valve 488, and pipe 489 is communicated with the inlet 4|8 of the brine discharge pump 4|| driven by the motor 358. The brine discharge pump 4|| has outlet 4|2.

Each of the strainer boxes |18 and |88 is provided With a small flanged outlet 4|3 yand 4|4 respective1y,while pipe 489 has small inlet 4|5. Outlet 4|3 in strainer box |18 by means of pipe 4|6, shut off Valve 4|1, pipe 4|8, and shut off valve 4|9 is communicated with inlet 4|5. Out'- let 4|4 in strainer box |88 by means of pipe 428. shut olf valve 42|, and pipe 422 is communicated with pipe 4|8.

Flanged outlet 64 on top of the shell extension 6| of the first effect 2| by means of pipe 423, and Y pipe 424 is communicated with the two flanged inlets 93 in the evaporator heater head 83 of the second effect 22. 'I'he Y pipe 424 is provided with a small flanged inlet 425 which by means of pipe 426 is communicated with the flanged outlet of the rst effect 2|.

Flanged outlet 65 on top of the shell extension 62 of the second effect 22 by means of pipe 421, and Y pipe 428 is communicatedwith the two flanged inlets 94 in the evaporator heater head 34 of the third effect 23. The Y pipe 428 is provided With a small flanged inlet 429 which by means of pipe 438 is communicated with the flanged outlet 16 of the second effect 22.

Flanged outlet 61 on top of the casing 26 has attached to it an air ejector unit 43| which communicates the outlet 61 with inlet 432 on top of the air ejector condenser 363. The air ejector unit 43| comprises a T pipe 433, control 'effect 2| by means of branched'pipe 446, shut 4off valve 441, and pipe' 448 is communicated with v the inlet 449 of the tube nest drain pump 450 The top of the drain regulator body has an outlet branch outlet pipe 452. rtube nest drain pump 450 by means of pipe driven by the motor`45l. Branched pipe 446 has branch outlet pipev 452 which b y means of shut off valve 453, and pipe 454, is communicated with the inlet 455 of the drain regulator 456.

451 which by means of elbow connection 458, and pipe 459, is communicated with -an outlet connection 460 on thehead 82 of the flrst effect 2|. The bottom vof the drain regulator body has an outlet 46| which by means of pipe 462 is communicated with a flanged outlet r463011 the An outlet 464 on the 465, shut oi valve 466, and pipe 461 is communif cated with pipe 454.v

of the casing 24 by means of a flanged connection 469shutoff'valve 41.0, pipe 41|, and elbow connection 412 is communicated withan'outlet Y413 on the head 82 of the first effect 2 Flanged outlet 96 on the head 83 of the second effect 22 by means of pipe 414visrcommunicated vwith the inlet 415 of the drain regulator 416. An

outlet 411 on .the drain regulator416'rby'means of shut off valve,418, pipe 419,` andelbow pipe 480 is communicated with a flanged inlet 48| on` the head 84 of the third effect. The'top of the drain regulator body 416 has an outlety 482 which by means of elbow connection 483, pipe 484, and connection 485`is vcommunicated lwith the pipe 414 adjacent the head 83'. The bottom of the drain regulator body 416 has an outlet .486 vwhichby means of pipe 481 communicates with a flanged inlet 488 on the pipe 414.

vA ilangedinlet 489 on the front upper part of the casing 26 of the third effect has attached thereto a Y connection 490 with two inlets 49| and 492. 493, pipe 494, and elbow connection -495 is communicated with an outlet 496 on the. head 83 of the second effect 22. Inlet 492 by means of shut 01T valve491, pipe 498, and elbow connection 499 iscommunicated with lan'outlet 500 on the head 84 of the third effect 2,3. i

Flanged outlet 91 on the head 84 of the third effect 23 by means Lof pipe 50|, shut off valve 502, and pipe 503 is communicated with an inlet 584 on the drain cooler front head 505. An outlet 566 on the rear head 501 of the drain cooler 359 niiet sie von thfiash chamber M3.k The topof the drain regulator body |2 has an -outlet 5|1 which byv means of elbow connection 5|8, pipe 5|9, and relbow connection 520 is communicated with an inlet 52| inthe head 84 of the third effect. The bottom of the drain regulator body 5|2 has an outlet 522which by means of pipe The air ejector unit 43| comprisesl Inlet 49| hymeans of shut off valve.

the outlet'IZ. v From the outlet |28 in the second effect vapor 523 is communicated with` a flangedinlet 524 'in the pipe 525.

A branch outlet -526 on the pipe 50| by means of pipe 525, and shut olf valve 521 is communicated with the T connection 5|0.

On the end wall plate 29 of the third effect the flanged outlet 11 by means of pipe 528,. and elbow connection 529 is communicated with the flash chamber 443.

' We will now describe the operation of our improved apparatus for evaporating and distilling sea Water as used on board ships.

The sea water to be distilled is taken from the sea chest through the inlet 326 of the distillingl circulating water'pump 325, driven by the motor 324, and pumped through'pipe 328 and open valve 329 to the condensate cooler 33|. The condensateV cooler 33| is a conventional type of heat interchanger in which heated condensate passes through an inner nest of tubes over and around which passes. the cold sea water, thus extracting heat from the condensate and adding heat to the sea water. y

From the condensate cooler 33| the sea water passes by way of pipe 349 to the inlet |53 in the head |39 of the distilling condenser in the third 4 The sea water enters the chamber |48, passes through the distilling condenser nest A flanged inlet 4684 on the front upper part l of tubes |51 to the chamber |49, thus-serving its driven by the pump motor 350. Thence through the pipe 354, open valve 355, pipe 356, and inlet |55 to the chamber |50 in the head |39l of the distilling condenser and feed water heater |38 in the third effect 23. From the chamber I 50 the distilling water continues onward through Afeed water heater nest of tubes |58, chamber |5|,

nest of tubes |59, and chamber |52 to outlet |56.` The distilling water in passing through the nests of tubes |58 and |59 has acted as additional cooling means to the distilling condenser tubes |51, and in' turn the distilling water has acquired additional heat in so doing.

Emerging through the outlet |56 the distilling water passes through the pipe 351 and the inlet 358 into the drain cooler 359. The drain cooler 359 is a conventional4 type of heat interchanger in which the distilling water passes over and around a series of tube nests to an outlet 360. Thence it'passes through pipe 36| and inlet 362 tothe interior of an air ejector condenser 363. The air ejector condenser 363 is alsoa conventional type of heat interchanger in which the distilling water makes a series of passes through nests of tubes and emerges at outlet 364.

From the air ejector condenser outlet 364 the distilling water continues through pipe 365 and inlet` |30, to thechamber |26 in the head ||5 of the vapor feed heater unit ||3 of the second effect 22. The distilling water passes fromthe chamber |26, through the tube nest |33, to and throughthe chamber |25, rthrough the tube nest the tube nest |3|, tothe chamber |23 having feed heater unit ||3`the distilling water con- The distilling water passes from the chamber |26, through the tube nest |33, to and through the chamber |25, through the tube nest |32, to and through the chamber |24, through the tube nest 13|, to the chamber |23 having the outlet |21.

Emerging from the outlet |21 in the first effect vapor feed heater unit ||2 the distilling water passes through the pipe 361, open valve 368, feed regulator 359, pipe 310, and finally through the inlet 1| and the feed distributing box |16 on the bottom of the casing 29, the distilling Water enters the interior of the rst eect as a distilland, and it rises therein until, governed automatically by the feed regulator 369 'which is preferably of a type of a valve controlled by a float and which is well known to those skilled in the art, the tubes of' the first effect evaporator heater 19 are properly submerged.

In the passage of the distilling water from the sea chest to the interior of the first effect as just described, heat has been gradually accumulated therein from the condensate cooler 33|, the distilling condenser and feed heater |38, the drain cooler 359, the air ejector condenser 363, the vapor feed heater H3, and the vapor feedheater H2. At the same time steam (usually exhaust steam from the ships auxiliaries) is supplied to the inlets 92 of the headv 82 of the evaporator heater 19 of the rst effect. The steam passing through the inlets 92 enters the chamber 90, thence passes through the upper nest of tubes 98 to and through the rear chamber |91, through the lower nest of tubes 99 to the chamber 9| in the head82. 'Ihe steam in passing through the upper nest of tubes 98 and heating the outside surrounding distilland is largely condensed so that the lower nest of tubes 99 may be considerably less in effective discharge area and these tubes 99 are for the same reason sloped toward their dischargingA end for more efficient discharge. The resulting condensate emerging from the chamber 9| through the outlet 95 is withdrawn and distributed by the motor driven pump 45|) governed by the drain regulator 956. Any air and inert gases accumulating in the chamber 9! are by-passed through the air baffle 532, outlet 913, pipe 81|, open valve 818, and inlet 258 to the interior vapor chamber of the rst effect 2|. l

The steam in passing through the tubes 98 and 99 heats the distilland sufficiently to cause vapor to rise which in so doing passes upward through the inlets 2I8 of the tortuous passageways in the vapor baille nests |91 and |98. In passing through the baffle nests |91 and |98 the vapor impinges on the surfaces of the baffle sheets 28| to 206, inclusive, and tends'to deposit the entrained water and this is gathered by the troughed edges of the baffle sheets and led to the ends thereof where it drops back into the main body of the distilland away from the area of vapor activity and thus avoids being carried along by the rising vapor. The vapor thus somewhat dried emerges from the outlets 2|9 of the vapor baffle nest |91 and |98 into the chambers 255 to 259, inclusive, the exit from each of which is the opening 382 in its respective one of the vapor separators proper 289 to`252, inclusive.

Passing through the openings 392 in the vapor separators proper 249 to 252, inclusive, the vapor has to traverse the numerous tortuous passageways therein formed by the hook baffles 383, 394, and 395, and is repeatedly contacted with their .labyrinthine surfaces with the result that any remaining water in suspension in the vapor tends to deposit thereon and is gathered by the effect of the moving vapor into the individual troughed edges 301 whence by the action of gravi it flows downward through the various regi tering perforai tions 299, or the ends of the slts 300, into the Water-tight compartments 298. In addition water that tends to settle on-the intermediate floor plates 29| is prevented from being carried through by the restraining bafles 3I9 which gathers ysuch water and defiects it through the slots 38|] into the compartment 298. The Water gathered into the compartments 298 discharges through the flanged outlets 263 in the bottom thereof and thence by way of the pipes 264 is returned to the main body of the distilland. Thefbottom of the pipes 254 end in an upturned portion that forms a trap 261 for a water seal against the direct passage of vapor through these pipes.

The dried vapor emerges from the vapor separators 249 to 252, inclusive, into the feed heater chamber 254 Where it flows over and around the tubes 43|, |32, and |33 of the first effect feed heater unit ||2 thus heating the flowing distilling water within the tubes hereinbefore described. Passing through the chamber 258 the vapor emerges from the outlet 64 on top of the first effect casing 24, into and through the pipe 423, the Y pipe 424, and through the inlets 93 in the head 83 of the second effect evaporator heater 88.

The condensate formed from the vapor during the heating of the feed water as it passes through the first effect is collected in the bottom of the chamber 258 and is discharged therefrom through the outlet 260, into and through the pipe 26|, the extension pipe 15, and the pipe 426, to and through the inlet 425 on the -Y pipe 829, within which it mingles once again with the passing vapor just described,

Heated distilland, somewhat concentrated, is g drawn from the first effect 2| to the second effect of the casing 28, strainer box |18, pipe 380, open valve 98|, pipe 392, motor driven feed booster pump 384, pipe 381, open valve 388, feed regulator 389, pipe 398, inlet 12, and to and through the feed distributing box |82 on the bottom inside of the casing 25 of the second effect 22, and the distilland rises therein until, governed automatically by the feed regulator 389, the tubes of the second effect evaporator heater 89 are properly submerged.

The combined vapor and hot condensate from the first effect which have entered through the inlets 93 into the second effect evaporator heater 80 passes therethrough in a manner identical to that described for the steam passing through the heater 19 of the first effect, thus heating the outside surrounding distilland, and the vapor being largely condensed is discharged along with the entering condensate as` a condensate through the outlet 96 in the head 83. Thence this condensate is passed to the third effect evaporator heater 8| through the pipe 914, drain regulator 816, open valve 418, pipes 919 and 480, to the inlet 28| on the head 84.

Any air and inert gases accumulating in the chamber 9| are by-passed through the air baffle 532,'outlet 898, pipe 494|, open valve 493, Y connection 490, and inlet ,i389 on the front upper part ofthe casing 28, to the interior vapor chamber of the third effect 23.

The combined vapor and hot condensate from j: rise Within the second effect which, in a manner the first effect, passes through the vapor baiiie f nests |99 and 200 and is partially dried, and the ond effect adjacent the Wall 30 to act bullition deflector. l 'The somewhat dried vapor emerges from the baiflenests |99 and 200 and continues onward through the chambers 256 to 259, inclusive, through the vapor separators proper 249z to 252,

gathered entrained water is similarly lreturned to the main body of distilland.

Bame plate 22o has been provided in the seeinclusive, to the chamber 255. The Water-gathered by thecornpartments 298 to theigvap'or sepfarators proper 249 to 252,` inclusive,visreturned 55..,thein1ets s4 and 48| into une third-entent-` evapt0 the main body of the distillandtnroughgthe pipes 264. v

'rhe'vapor nowingihrough thefehanbei 25.5

.|33 of the vsecond effect feedheater unit ||3 thus heating the distilling flowinglwater within the tubes hereinbefore described.l YPassing through the chamber 255 the vapor'emerges from the outlet 65 on top of the second effect casing 25 into and through the pipe 421, ythe lY .pipev428,` and. through the inlets 94 inthe head third effect evaporator heater 8|.f

The kcondensate formed from'thefvapor duringtheL heating of the feed water' as it @passes through the second effect is collected in the bottom of the chamber 255 and is discharged therefrom'- through the outlet 260, into andA through the pipe 26|,A the extension pipe 16, and the pipe 430, to andthrough theinlet 429 .on the vY` pipe 428 within which it mingles once again with the f f `through the pipe528 tothe ash chamber 443.

passing vapor-just described..

Heated distilland, somewhat further concen-f trated, is ydrawn from the second effect 22 to thethird eifect 23 through the screened outlet 695 in the bottom ofthe casing 25, strainer box |88, pipe 394, open valve395, pipe 396, motor-driven feed boosterpump 398, pipe 400, open valve 40|, feed regulator 402, pipe 403, inlet 13, and to and through the feed distributing box |92 on the bottom inside of the casing 26 ofthe third effect 23, and theI distilland rises therein until,r governedjautomatically by the feed'regulator 402,.l -the tubes of the third effect evaporator heater 8| farei properly submerged. o

y.The combined vaporand hot condensates from oratorlieaterA 8|l passes therethrough in .a man- 4ner'identical lto that describedffor thel steam i passing vthrough the heater v19 of the first effect,

i' charged along with the entering cndensates' through the outlet 91 in the head 8.4. Any air vand inert gases accumulating in the Vchamber 9| v'are by-passed through the air baille 532,

65 .1out1etj'500, `pipe 498, open valve491, Y con- `thus heatingl the outside surrounding distilland,

and the vapor being" largely condensed is disne'eti'on- 4st,. and. inletv ias on une` freni; upper t'f-"of thev casing 26, to the interior/vapor 'r'iie-eembined-.vapor and het eondensates frein z zsf and 224@ and isv partially dried, and the gatnas a local 84 of the thesecond effectwhile passing through the third Athe first effect while passing through the second effect evaporator heater 80 causes vapor to.

ered entrained water is sii'nilarly returned tothe main body-of distilland. The spray'bafile- 232 in this effect has `the 'same function as that described for the spray ybaille 22|0 of the second effect. The somewhat dried vapor emerges 'from the baffle nests,2,23 and 224 and continues on- -ward through thechambers 280 and 28|, through the vapor separators proper 214 to 211,'inclusive, to the chamber'282. The water gathered by the compartments 298 of the vapor separators proper 214 to 211, inclusive, is `returned to the main body of` the'jdistilland through the pipes 286.

The vapor flowing throughthe chamber 282 is drawn toward the chamber |66 and in so doing passesover 'and around thetubes |59 of the 'feed heater passes'of the third effect distilling conydenser and feed heater combined unit |38, and,

continuing upward the vapor passes over and around all those tubes |51 of the unit |38 that lie to.each side of and beneath the air baffles |68 ,and |69. The vapcrdeflected'by the air baffles and aroundzthe tubes |51 is further aided by the 25 baffle plate |15which fits closely about the inner ends of` the ytubes 51 and thus prevents a flow of low fresistance'around thesefends. The

'vapor owsfromleach end of the chamber |13, over and-aroundf-thefportions'ofthe tubes |51 which lie within theftriangulargchamber1113, .to and` through the-outletl y61 on ltopvof 'the'cas-y ing26.v .f Y

The condensate yformed 'from the vapondur-y f ingvthe heating ofthe feed water andthe cooling by the/distilling condenseris collected in the j bottom of the chamber -282fand is discharged therefrom through vthe-y outlet-183v into `and The condensatethat has .been discharged from the outlet. 91;..1ink the head 84 ofthe third effect evaporatorh'e'atze'i'yljl passes vby way ofthe pipe open v`alve`,502,'and pipe 503, to and through .tubes within. the 'drain cooler 359and thence by means of. pipe 5.08, open valve' 509, T connection 5|0, drain regulator 5|2, open valve 5|4, and pipe 5|5 to the. flash chamber443.

The -condensates rthatpass .into the flash Achamber 443 from rthe third effect evaporator tend to create a vacuum which by reason of thev intercommunicative relationshipA of `the different effects `comprising the apparatus 20 exerts its influence throughout the extent of the apparatus in such a manner that owof vapor Within the apparatus is constantly in the direction of the outlet 61 to 'the'airejector 43|. By reason of the pressure and .temperature differentials thus established between th'e Vfirst effect and the third effect theA flow of feed water toward the ythird effect is aided, and vlow pressure evaporation inthe different effects is maintained. The air ejector 43| discharges by way of thepipe 438 into the air ejector condenser 363, where, in a 

